This paper summarizes the history of North America, especially of the United States, from the earliest explorations and settlements through the present. Emphasis is placed on the Europeans' effect on American Indian life and the inadequate development of Indian education. Comparisons are made between the various colonizers' Indian policies before the revolution, such as: 1) introduction of the treaty system by the Spanish; 2) emphasis on fur trade and conversion to Christianity by the French; and, 3) racial segregation by the English. Finally, United States policies, as well as unofficial practices, are surveyed since the time of the Continental Congress. Various legislation and commission reports are cited and discussed, culminated by a discussion of the 1969 report of Sen. Ralph Yarborough's Committee on Labor and Public Welfare. Recommending 60 changes in Indian policies and procedures, the committee lays the blame for the Indian's life of poverty and despair on America's consistent failure to provide him with an effective education. (DJB)